A24 Announces New TV Series Set at Tower of London Based on Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s ‘We Are The Dead’
EXCLUSIVE: A24 has outbid as many as 20 competitors to secure the television adaptation rights for Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s upcoming novel We Are the Dead.
The book marks Shepherd-Robinson’s debut in the contemporary crime thriller genre. It follows Brontë Hayes, the head of a London police team investigating cases of national significance. The story kicks off with a shocking beheading at the Tower of London—the first in 300 years. Hayes is called to investigate the gruesome murder of a former Commander of the British Army, responsible for the military community residing within the Tower’s grounds. Sources indicate that We Are the Dead is being considered for a potential book series centered on the character of Hayes.
Though the novel won’t be published until next year and lacks a cover design, it generated significant interest during last year’s Frankfurt Book Fair. Following its debut, a competitive auction ensued, ultimately landing the project with A24’s UK team, led by Piers Wenger and Rose Garnett. The adaptation is in its early development stages, with plans for a creative team and casting underway.
Shepherd-Robinson is the daughter of renowned actor Tony Robinson, known for his role in Blackadder. She has previously authored historical novels, including The Art of a Lie, The Square of Sevens, and Daughters of Night.
A24 UK recently brought on Heartstopper executive producer Patrick Walters and has a slate of upcoming television projects. These include Apple TV’s The Husbands, a Channel 4 soccer drama titled Major Players from Molly Manning Walker, and First Day on Earth, a new series from Michaela Coel for the BBC and HBO.
